California Restricts Utility Shutoffs as Dangerous Heat Ripples Across State
The 4-0 vote sets a lower backstop for unpaid-bill shutoffs and requires a region-specific standard within six months, officials said.
- On Thursday, the California Public Utilities Commission voted 4-0 to lower the temperature threshold for power shutoffs from 100 to 90 degrees, ordering utilities to adopt region-specific heat standards within six months.
- The Commission rejected utility proposals from Last December, finding them insufficient after The Utility Reform Network pressed regulators to revisit extreme heat definitions following a record heat wave two years ago.
- Evidence shows 41 of 58 counties already use thresholds below 100 degrees. Del Norte defines extreme heat as anything above 76.8 degrees, while San Francisco uses 85 degrees, reflecting regional acclimation differences.
- Following the vote, utilities confirmed they will comply with the new rules. Jason Zeller, an attorney with the Utility Consumers Action Network, noted power loss causes a "cascading effect of problems" for tenants, including eviction risk.
- Implementation will utilize CalHeatScore, a state tool that scores heat by ZIP code to determine shutoff eligibility. Advocates sought a lower Level 2 index threshold, while utilities proposed a higher Level 3 bar.
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Palo Alto Online
California restricts utility shutoffs as dangerous heat ripples across state
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. California bars utilities from cutting off power to customers who fall behind on their bills when it’s dangerously hot outside – a basic safety protection. Losing power in some rural areas can also mean losing water, and in cities, having no way to […]
California rules for workers in heat
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)- Employers in the valley must provide fresh water, shade, and rest breaks during extreme heat. The law in California requires employers to put shade in place when temperatures pass 80°F. Workers can request rest breaks in the shade at any time to cool down. Employers must check workers for signs of The post California rules for workers in heat appeared first on KESQ.
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